Ron Laderoute, President of the Centre Club d’Age d’Or de la Vallee/Valley Golden Age Club, shown on the left in the photo, and Vice-President, Bill Boivin, take a few moments to look over some documents and photos reminding them of the work that went into Phase 1 of the renovation of  the club facilities. When they began work in June on the massive project, they knew very well that hundreds of hours of volunteer labour would be needed to put the $150,000 in materials and equipment to good use. On December 4, they officially celebrated the completion of the work with a breakfast/lunch ceremony for almost 100 dignitaries and key people in the club.

The Club, which is located in a former school building on Cote Blvd. in Hanmer, is a non-profit corporation which received its provincial charter in 1975. There are presently over 410 members in the club, which operates in the French language, but which opens its doors to men and women over the age of 45 from all walks of life and backgrounds. As visitors were taken on a tour of the building, it was clear to see why this is considered a one-stop recreation and cultural centre for the senior citizens of the community. The options available to club members include shuffleboard, billiards, darts, cards, a woodworking shop, a weaving centre, and a computer access centre. The newly renovated kitchen facility now provides people with plenty of room to move around and the main hall has been altered to increase floor space.

“It has been a total upgrade,” explained Boivin. “I don’t think there is a single room in the building that wasn’t touched. It is certainly something that we can all be proud of now.”

The next Phase of the project calls for the construction of an apartment complex off the rear of the existing structure, allowing club members to rent living accommodations. This will be a revenue-generating venture which will provide funding to run many of the other programs. Once the apartments are up and running, plans call for the establishment of an assisted-care facility which can handle up to 10 other residents who need some kind of individual support in order to get through their daily routines.

Besides Laderoute and Boivin, other members of the Executive Committee include: Treasurer, Bert Bouillion; Secretary, Elizabeth Berube; Co-ordinator, Danielle Gervais; and an advisory committee of seven other members. The Club holds monthly meetings for members.